When we talk about vaccines, the conversation usually centers around children but it’s important to remember that there are also vaccines that adults need. Let’s take a look at the vaccines that are recommended for adults.
Flu Shot - Millions of Americans get the flu every year with hundreds of thousands of those hospitalized and several thousand dying. Anyone can get the flu, but it can be much harder to fight the older we get, especially if we have underlying health conditions. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older receive the seasonal flu vaccine each year.
Tdap - Most of us received the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine as children but it’s important to keep up with boosters every 10 years. This protects the person being vaccinated but also prevents spreading whooping cough to infants who are too young to be vaccinated or who haven’t received all their booster shots. If you were not vaccinated for Tdap as a child, you still can be and should.
Shingles - One in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime and the risk just keeps getting worse as we age. The virus that causes chicken pox lies dormant in nerves and can reactivate as shingles later in life. While shingles isn’t contagious, it can be incredibly painful and debilitating with symptoms like a burning sensation on the skin, painful blisters, itching, fever and fatigue with potentially recurring outbreaks and severe complications. The CDC recommends anyone 50 and over get the shingles vaccine.
HPV - While the HPV vaccine is mostly given to preteens, it is also recommended for those aged 19-26 and can still protect against types of the human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts. Those over 27 may choose to get the vaccine but it likely won’t be as effective since most in this age group have already been exposed to HPV.
MMR (measles, mumps, Rubella)1-2 doses depending on your situation if born in 1957 or later.
Varicella (chicken pox) - Chicken pox can be harsh on older adults who never had it as a child. There should be two doses administered if there is no evidence of immunity or prior vaccination.
Pneumococcal Vaccination - two types: pnemovax 23 and prevnar 13. These vaccinations prevent strains of pneumonia, which can be devastating for anyone 65 and over and those with special circumstances and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung conditions, heart disease, and HIV.
Hepatitis A and B - Although transmitted through different means, Hepatitis A and B can both be devastating on the liver. A three-dose series is recommended if there’s no evidence of prior immunization.
With the advent of vaccines, smallpox has been eliminated on a global scale, polio has been eradicated in the US and infections of measles, mumps, diphtheria and tetanus are very rare. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the benefits of vaccines and to keep up with them so you can live your best life by ensuring your health and protecting the health of those around you.
“As a certified pharmacist immunizer, it’s important to complete these vaccines to stay healthy and keep everyone around you healthy,” says Revan Health PharmD, director of pharmacy Jason Revel. “We offer all these vaccines. Patients are welcome to walk in or make an appointment. We accept all insurances.”
Revan Health provides welcoming, respectful family medicine for all from infants to geriatrics. We understand the pain and frustration that comes with not feeling heard by your family care provider. We believe access to respectful care is key to improving medicine adherence and overall life satisfaction for our patients. Like us on Facebook or visit us at revanhealth.com.